Jarryd Hayne quits NFL to chase Olympic dream

JARRYD Hayne has responded to predictions he’ll land at the Sydney Roosters after competing for Fiji at the Olympics.

Well, we didn’t see that coming.

JARRYD Hayne has announced his retirement from the NFL to chase his Olympic dream with the Fiji Rugby Sevens team.

The San Francisco 49ers announced on Sunday (US time) that the Australian running back has made the decision to leave the team after one season to return to rugby and will compete with the Fiji team at the Olympics in Rio.

“I am retiring from the NFL because the Fiji Rugby Sevens team reached out to me about the opportunity to join the team for the upcoming Olympics, and I simply could not pass that chance up,” the 28-year-old said in a statement.

“The Olympics has been something I have admired since I was a little boy, and it is an opportunity I feel very similar to me joining the NFL.”

The former NRL star has played league for Fiji and met with the country’s national Sevens team at the Sydney world series tournament earlier this year.

While Hayne’s initial focus is the Olympics, his future beyond Rio is expected to include a return to the NRL — and his landing spot will be of huge interest.

Channel Nine sport reporter Tim Gilbert believes the recent salary cap woes of Hayne’s former club Parramatta could see him head to Bondi Junction. “I think Jarryd Hayne will play for the Sydney Roosters next year,” Gilbert said on Today.

But Hayne fired back, tweeting “you an (sic) your mates been thinking that for 14 months” in response to Gilbert’s comments.

🙄🙄🙄 you an your mates been thinking that for 14months https://t.co/etly6hrweE

— jarryd hayne (@JarrydHayne) May 15, 2016

49ers general manager Trent Baalke thanked Hayne for his contribution to the organisation..

“Jarryd is a tremendous example of what can happen when you commit to a goal and do everything in your power to make it a reality.

“He earned the right to wear a 49ers uniform and compete alongside the best in the game. We fully support Jarryd’s decision to pursue another dream — representing the Fiji Rugby Sevens team in this summer’s Olympic Games. We look forward to watching him in Rio and wish him continued success.”

Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers.

In a lengthy statement, Hayne referred to his 12 months with the 49ers as “absolutely incredible” and thanked the organisation and coaches “who invested in me to make this dream a reality.”

“The support and understanding from the 49ers organisation was unbelievable when I let them know about my decision to pursue another dream,” he said. “The past 12 months with the San Francisco 49ers have been absolutely incredible. I could not have predicted how far I have come as an NFL player. To not only be able to play in a game but also say that I started a game in the NFL is something that I will remember for a lifetime.

“I am especially grateful to the strength and conditioning coaches, trainers and medical staff, equipment guys, public relations crew, chefs, logistics, and merchandise staff for their countless hours helping me in many different ways, so I could focus on football.

“Thank you to the fans from down under, as well as those around the world, who stood behind me and supported me along this amazing journey.

“I also want to thank the boys, especially my running back brothers, for their help and support in my transition to the NFL. I wish the team nothing but the best for the upcoming season.

“Last but not least, I would like to thank the 49ers faithful for your unwavering support. From day one you have always been in my corner and I can’t thank you enough for the love you’ve shown for the kid from down under.

“Signing off, your mate, number 38.”

Jarryd Hayne meets the Fiji 7s team at their pop-up bar 'Flying Fijian' in Paddington.

Hayne signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in March, 2015. He played eight NFL games last season and registered 17 carries for 52 yards along with six receptions for 27 yards. He also returned eight punts for 76 yards on special teams.

Hayne will link with the Fijian team today ahead of the London Sevens this weekend, which will be the last world series tournament before the Rio Olympics in August.

Fiji Rugby Sevens coach Ben Ryan welcomed Hayne into the fold but said that he isn’t guaranteed to make the team for the Rio Games.

“It is a huge challenge for Jarryd but if he gets into the squad it is only going to be on form, because he is a blinding rugby player. If he doesn’t make it, is just shows how good this Fijian sevens side is,” Ryan said, according to the World Rugby Sevens official website.

Jarryd Hayne walks off the field wearing the San Francisco 49ers #38 jersey in Detroit, Michigan.

Originally published as Jarryd Hayne quits NFL to chase Olympic dream